Author Archives: Alyssa Dvorak

This post best pairs with “You’re My Sister” from Identical (2022). VACT has long maintained the tradition of allowing participants to vote on shows for the upcoming seasons. A committee meets two seasons in advance to create a list of options for an all-ages summer show and an adults-only fall or winter show (depending onContinue reading “Tale #53: Almost Identical”

This post best pairs with “Be Back Soon” from Oliver! (1963). VACT is a true family organization. A child will audition for their first show and before they know it, their mom is the head of costumes, dad is on the board, older siblings are techies, Grandma and Grandpa come to every single performance, etc.Continue reading “Tale #52: The Forgotten Child”

This post best pairs with “I’m Allergic to Cats” from The Theory of Relativity (2016). When working with kids you absolutely must know three things: 1) their first AND last name 2) their emergency contact information and 3) if they have any allergies or medical issues. Allergies are no joke. I thank my lucky starsContinue reading “Tale #51: Peanut Butter Jail”

This post best pairs with “I Wanna Be A Producer” from The Producers (2001). Happy New Year! Welcome to 2023. After a hiatus for the holidays/working tech for a show for twenty-two days straight, I have returned with more tales. If you are still with me after all of this time away, I’m very grateful.Continue reading “Tale #50: Makin’ Copies”

This post best pairs with “I’m The Bravest Individual” from Sweet Charity (1966). Throughout my time at VACT, I’m sure people had many adjectives they used to describe me including but not limited to: bossy, confident, controlling, talented, loud, certain, prepared, organized, ocd, obnoxious, meddlesome, pushy, etc. However, only a close few in my innerContinue reading “Tale #49: Keep Calm and Do Not Cry!”

This post best pairs with “Bend and Snap” from Legally Blonde the Musical (2007). Whenever people ask me if I have a favorite musical, I usually hem and haw and debate for a few minutes before refusing to answer and walking away. With so many amazing musicals out there, it is impossible to choose justContinue reading “Tale #48: I’ve Got A Package”

This post best pairs with “I Don’t Want To” from All Shook Up (2005). Halloween is already in full swing in Los Angeles. Kids in a variety of costumes are visiting Nights of the Jack and Haunt-o-Ween while adults risk heart palpitations at Halloween Horror Nights and Haunted Hayrides. Halloween would fall right in theContinue reading “Tale #47: Luigi & Luigi”

This post best pairs with “The Panic is On” from Bullets Over Broadway (2014). There is an adage spoken at theatrical rehearsals around the world: early is on-time, on-time is late. When a director sets a rehearsal to start at 12pm, they intend for the work to begin at 12pm. Not 12:03, not 12:05, definitelyContinue reading “Tale #46: Panic at Dairy Queen”

This post best pairs with “Pressure” from Movin’ Out (2002). Continuing with the theme of physical destruction as therapy: there’s a reason why rage rooms, break the rooms, and anger rooms have become popular. It feels really good to smash stuff that is going to be destroyed anyways. Everyone has stuff in their lives thatContinue reading “Tale #45: Smash It To Bits”

This post best pairs with “Ya Got Trouble” from The Music Man (1957). Welcome back! After a brief summer hiatus, it is time for more tales! In Mid-September, I journeyed back to the Verona Area Community Theater for the first time in over a year for something truly amazing. The organization that was my theatricalContinue reading “Tale #44: We Got Trouble”